Ancient towns: Zhu Jia Jiao Watertown and Qi Bao Old street

Zhu Jia Jiao

China, Shanghai, Qingpu, Xinfeng Rd, 美周路36号 邮政编码: 201713

Set between Dianshan Lake and Dian Mountain, it is a famed ancient town labeled as Shanghai's Venice. History for this place dates back 1,700 year. Getting there is relatively easy from Shanghai city. I stayed near Yu Garden and all we need is to switch to Line 17 at Zhu Jia Jiao Station and walking to the watertown. We choose the lazy option, taking the rickshaw to the place. 

I spent the day wandering through the old streets and crossing the numerous bridges. 

Donghu Street - Yong feng bridge

Daxin Street - Zhong guan yin bridge

Great North Street - Qi jia bridge, Cheng huang bridge, Lang bridge, Tai an bridge, Fengsheng bridge (Biggest and longest)

Xijing Street - Yong quan street, Zhong long street, Yong an street

Resting on the boat  after long walks in the town, we decide to take boat ride to the next destination. But this is a very short boat ride ride, maybe 5 minutes. 

Entry to town is free but separate charges apply for eight scenic spots (Shanghai Quan Hua Art Gallery, Tibetan Culture, Qing Dynasty Post Office, City God Temple, Yuanjin Buddhist Temple, Handicraft Exhibition Hall, Humanistic Museum and Kezhi Garden)

Above is the exterior of Old Qing Post office.

We spent most of our time at Jiang Nan Di Yi Cha Lou 江南第一茶楼 (Best teahouse in Jiang Nan) and it has the best view of Fang Sheng Bridge. 

The snacks given by the tea house. 

Each person will need to order a bottle of tea for the lakeside view.

Sunset at this place is really beautiful. Stay on for it if you can. 

I will label this as the highlight of the Shanghai trip as i immensely enjoyed my day roaming through the  old streets of yesteryear

Qi Bao Old Street

Qingnian Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China

Qibao (七宝) is an old water town located about 20 kilometers from downtown Shanghai which has a very popular food street.  Qibao means, “Seven Treasures” in Chinese and the legend is there were seven of them around the area such as a Gold Lotus Scripture, a magic tree, and a golden chicken to name a few.

The water town is extremely small if you compare it to Zhu Jia Jiao but if you are short for time and want to visit a water town this is the closest you can get. 

The old town is from the Song Dynasty and the temples, gardens and most architecture has been preserved from Ming and Qing dynasties. 

The narrow pedestrian streets are packed tight with shops. We visited here for supper. Thankfully, old famous dumpling shop is still open when we arrive at 9 pm but not for long. 

The dumplings come in different flavours. The identifier for the flavour lies in its shape. The soup base is plain water (apparently this is the norm here in Shanghai). Thumbs up for taste.